Danger gear up for Blizzard

Article posted on: 2017-05-16 15:17:00

The Nebraska Danger are still fighting to earn a spot in the Intense Conference playoffs, and Saturday's match-up against the Green Bay Blizzard is important in keeping the Danger in the hunt for a spot. The Danger are currently third in the Intense Conference standings, one game behind both the Arizona Rattlers and Spokane Empire with five games remaining.

The Blizzard will be traveling to Grand Island looking to end an eight game losing streak. Green Bay picked up a pair of early season wins against the Cedar Rapids Titans, but have fallen just short in almost every game since. Two of those losses were only by one point; to Arizona 30-29 and at Iowa 26-27. The Blizzard were also able to jump out to an early 17-0 lead against Sioux Falls before having that lead evaporate in a 49-56 loss.

“Green Bay is really a solid team, but just has not been able to get over the hump this season,” said Danger head coach Hurtis Chinn. “They’ve been real close in most of their games, so we need to be focused and play solid for four full quarters.”

Finishing out games has been a point to work on for the Danger this season. Two weeks ago, the Danger fell behind the Wichita Falls Nighthawks 26-35, but were able to claw their way back to only trail 40-44 with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing drive, the Danger looked to have two separate stops on the Nighthawks, but penalties kept the drive going. An illegal defense penalty negated a fourth down stop and holding gave the ball back to the Nighthawks after the Danger appeared to have pulled in an interception. The Nighthawks capped off the drive with a touchdown and went on to win 40-57.

"Some unfortunate penalties really killed our momentum tonight," said Chinn. "When that happens, we preach to forget about it and move on. Focus on the next play and don't worry about what has already happened. It's still a work in progress, but I know our guys have what it takes."

Kickoff is set for 7 pm Saturday night at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, with First Responders Night as the feature. The Grand Island Professional Firefighters Local 647 will be sponsoring "Fill the Boot" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. All First Responders can get a free general admission ticket by showing ID at the Heartland Events Center Box Office. Doors open at 6:00 with pre-game activities beginning at 6:30.

Tickets for Saturday night are available at area Pump & Pantry stores, the Heartland Events Center Box Office, or via Ticketmaster. The game will be broadcast live on 2DayFM 103.1, or streamed live at www.2dayfm1031.com with live video available at DangerFootball.com/Watch.

Following the game, an autograph party with Players and Coaches will take place on the Danger turf.